Centre Fire Percussion Shotgun

[Feltwad]

Enclosed is a image of a sxs centre fire percussion shotgun which is Bentleys Patent in 12 gauge and 30 inch barrels cased with all accessory
Feltwad

 

[swathdiver]

Thanks for sharing, those lock plates look neat and sure took some time to craft. Love the Damascus barrels. Any more photos? :hatsoff:

 

[Feltwad]

Yes the barrels are Damascus I am having trouble with images .
Feltwad

 

[zimmerstutzen]

Ok I can't make out much detail on my computer. What make it a percussion centerfire? I know some guns like a few Maynards were capable of being fired as percussion breech loaders, or as either centerfire or rim fire depending on the firing pin. There was also an early shot gun shell that had a percussion nipple in the center of the base. A cap was placed on that and then aother case was screwed on which made it look like a standard centerfire cartridge, but the firing pin would strike the cap in the center of the cartridge base.

 

[Zonie]

From what I see, I think he is referring to the location of the nipple to the bore.

Although the nipple or cone looks to be centered to the bore, I suggest we don't dwell on that aspect in this post because of the confusion it can cause with modern "in line" guns we don't discuss here on the forum.

The gun is a true sidelock, muzzleloading shotgun so it does qualify for discussion on the MLF.

 

[Feltwad]

If you look at the image you will see that the nipples are located in the centre of the breech plug and not on the top ,this gives you a direct ignition and is faster .
This patent is what is known has [Bentleys enclosed central fire and safety gun]It was patent by Joseph Bentley a Birmingham Gun maker whose business was at 14, St Marys Row Birmingham, and also at 72 South Castle Street Liverpool
Feltwad

 

[Feltwad]

Enclosed is a image of the gun cased
Feltwad

 

[Feltwad]

Image 3
Feltwad

 

[Britsmoothy]

Very posh :hatsoff:

B.

 

[coloradoclyde]

Nice!... :thumbsup:

It's an inline with side hammers....If one barrel was rifled it would be a rifled smoothbore.... :haha: (forum humor)

Very nice shotgun.... :hatsoff:

 

[zimmerstutzen]

All US made percussion caps were labeled center fire from the civil war until about 1970. I had a 28 cal Wufflein rifle, made in Philadelphia that had the nipple in line going straight into the center of the bore. Not sure when it was made, but probably before 22 RF was common. Belgian gas light pistols had the same arrangement. Did not know it was a big deal.

 

[Feltwad]

It may be of interest today the 10th a gun exactly like the above sold in auction for 1600 euro.
Feltwad

 

[MSW]

Feltwad, that's a very elegant piece. Considering the completeness of the accoutrements and the condition of the case, i'd hang on to it. (Plus, it just looks cooler than ... well... it was along night, so i won't cuss it up)

Enjoy!

 

[Feltwad]

I agree it is not going anywhere to be honest where will I find another and if I did could I afford one
Feltwad

 

[Lorne Johnson]

Thanks for the photos. That's a very interesting piece, and a very different direction of innovation from pinfire. I like the Joseph Manton style raised rib.

I don't think that I would let it go for 1600 Euros.

 

[robinsroost]

A very interesting old shotgun. BTW, how many dollars is a euro? Inquiring minds want to know. Keep yer powder dry.....robin :hmm:

 

[Feltwad]

1600 Euros will be about 1793 US Dollars plus commission . and shipping.
Feltwad

 

[robinsroost]

1600 Euros will be about 1793 US Dollars plus commission . and shipping.
Feltwad

That would equate to 1 euro being equal to $1.12..........robin :surrender:

 

[Zonie]

That's right. At least today it is worth 1 dollar and 12.4 cents today.

The dollar/euro ratio changes daily depending on world markets.

Not too long ago 1 euro was worth over $1.30.
No one knows what it will be tomorrow.